Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Tachycardia

November 4, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day dear Sir or Madam,

I have a few questions regarding tachycardia.

I am 56 years old, 180 cm tall and weigh around 120 kg. I am a smoker, unfortunately do not pay much attention to my diet, and do not move a lot.

I have been suffering from occasional tachycardia for about 6 years. Sometimes it occurs 3 times a month, sometimes once in three months. The "attacks" last between 20 minutes and 2 hours with a pulse of 190 to 210, measured with a conventional blood pressure monitor. The attacks always suddenly stop and the pulse stabilizes at 70-80.

Three days ago, I measured a pulse of 190 and I felt quite bad. After the attack, I am always completely exhausted and can only lie down for the rest of the day.

How dangerous is this condition actually, is there an increased risk of a heart attack, and what should be considered?

Is there anything one can do preventively?

Is a medication treatment necessary (of course in consultation with a doctor) and would the medications need to be taken regularly?

Furthermore, I have been suffering from high blood pressure for about 25 years, for which I regularly take medication. I have been diagnosed with an enlargement of the left ventricle and arrhythmia.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,
Mr. K.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

In your case, the tachycardic phases are actually dangerous due to reduced heart perfusion. They are also not good for your damaged heart muscle, as they could lead to acute insufficiency. That's why this disease is dangerous for you; a healthy person without risk factors could live quite well with it.
You can only improve your risk profile and reduce your already increased risk of heart attack by not smoking, losing some weight, optimizing cholesterol levels, and adding a bit more exercise to your life.
Then you could discuss therapy with a cardiologist; whether catheter ablation is an option, which permanently interrupts this arrhythmia through a minor procedure, or if medication is a suitable treatment, which is quite possible. In any case, treatment should be considered to reduce your risk.

Best wishes,
Dr. Frauke Höllering, specialist in internal and general medicine